County ballot forum sparsely attended

October 4, 2010

CNJ staff photo: Kevin Wilson Judges Robert Orlik, left, and David Reeb discuss security issues at the Curry County Courthouse during a forum Monday evening at the Clovis-Carver Public Library. The forum was an information session about a pair of ballot questions that would provide $33 million for upgrades to the courthouse and detention center.

Kevin Wilson

Curry County officials didn’t meet much of an audience, but still met a fair amount of pessimism, as they spent Monday night giving information on what they stress are needed security upgrades for the county’s courthouse and detention center.

A forum, the first of two the county has scheduled at the Clovis-Carver Public Library, was sparsely attended. In all, 10 citizens came to the forum, which featured a panel of eight various county personnel and judges, with moderation by County Manager Lance Pyle.

The panel spoke of the difficulties with the current courthouse and detention center.

Both facilities are questions on the county’s general election ballot — with Tuesday as the last day for voters to register.

Ballot Question 1 would issue $16.5 million in general obligation bonds — an approximate $35 annual property tax increase on a $100,000 home — to make improvements and upgrades to the courthouse.